Collapsible hyperbolic paraboloid umbrella



y 1966 G. H. PEAKE 3,252,469

COLLAPSIBLE HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID UMBRELLA Filed Jan. 10, 1964 3Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

GEORGE H. PEAKE BY 42% @ZZLQ y 1966 G. H. PEAKE 3,252,469

COLLAPSIBLE HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID UMBRELLA Filed Jan. 10, 1964 5Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

GEORGE H. PEAKE May 24, 1966 G. H. PEAKE COLLAPSIBLE HYPERBOLICPARABOLOID UMBRELLA 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 10, 1964 b. W K 2 9 W 7F HT I 1 F w a v G w 8 8 I I F w w L. (fill.

INVENTOR- GEORGE H- PEAKE United States Patent 3,252,469 QULILAISIBLEHYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID UMBRELLA George II. Pealre, 4 Fawn Ridge, Fairfax,Calif. Filed Jan. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 336,931 9 Claims. (Cl. 13520) Thisinvention relates to umbrellas and more particularly to umbrellas of thecollapsible type and still more particularly to such umbrellas havingthe configuration of a hyperbolic paraboloid. i

Generally speaking, umbrellas of the prior art have been in the shape ofan inverted saucer or bowl wherein pliable material is stretched over aplurality of struts, the struts providing the shape of the umbrellaitself. While such umbrellas have received much commercial success inthe past, they are clearly plagued with certain disadvantages. Amongthese disadvantages is the fact that the prior art umbrella takes theshape of an air foil such that during gusts of high wind the umbrellasare frequently inverted. Moreover, due to the shape of the umbrella therun-ofi of rain occurs about the entire periphery such that any portionof the user's body extended beyond this periphery is subjected not onlyto 'the normal rain but also to the run-01f from a substanprovide animproved umbrella structure.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide an umbrellastructure having the configuration of a hyperbolic paraboloid.

It is another object of this invention to provide an umbrella structureof the aforementioned character in which the shape of the hyperbolicparaboloid is maintained by applying tension between the edges of arectangular membrane of pliable resilient material.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an umbrellastructure of the aforementioned character which is collapsible.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an umbrellastructure of the aforementioned character which may be mounted in anadjustable position about a vertical mast secured thereto.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an umbrellastructure of the aforementioned character which is further adjustable tovary the depth of the hyperbolic paraboloid configuration.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become moreclearly apparent upon a review of the following description inconjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of an umbrella structure in accordancewith one embodiment of .the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the frame, mast and strut members ofthe umbrella structure shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing the frame inpartially collapsed position;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of an umbrella structure of FIGURE 1shown in fully collapsed position with the membrane wrapped about theframe;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective View of the articulated coupling meansemployed between the various frame members of the umbrella structureshown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of one portion of 3,252,469 Patented May24, 1966 the coupling member and a sectional view through its associatedframe member;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing analternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a frame showing still another embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGURE 9 is a detailed plan view showing means for coupling the ends ofthe frame members of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken along the lines 1010 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a detailed view partly in section, showing means for urgingthe frame members outwardly apart from each other in the embodimentshown in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a frame for still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIGURE 13 is a view taken along the lines 1313 of FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE 14 is a detailed sectional view of the area encircled by the line1414 of FIGURE 13.

Referring to the drawing, FIGURES 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of theinvention wherein like members are designated by like reference numeralsthroughout. The embodiment of FIGURES l to 6 includes four frame members11, '13, 15 and 17, each comprising elongated rods or tubes. The variousframe members 11, 13, 15 and 17 are coupled together at their ends oneto the other by a fully articulated coupling 19. The coupling 19includes a pair of hinge knuckles 21 but instead of the usual hingeleaves, there are included a pair of threaded studs 23. The knuckles 21are pivotally joined by means of a pintle 25 and the studs 23 arereceived by internally threaded collars 26. The collars in turn aresecured at the ends of the frame members 11 as best seen in FIGURE 6.

Thus it is seen that the articulation of the coupling member not onlypermits the usual hinge coupling movement provided by the pintle 25 butalso permits the various frame members 11, 13 and 17 to rotate withrespect to each other. While rotation of the frame members with respectto each other will, of course, cause some longitudinal extension orcontraction of the knuckles 21 with respect to their associated framemembers, it should be clear that this axial movement will be relativelyslight when the rotation of the frame members is limited to somethingless than With the configuration of frame members and coupling devicesas above described, it is apparent that opposite frame members 11 and15, as well as opposite frame members 13 and 17 may be skewed withrespect to each other asshown in FIGURES 1 and 2. It should likewise beapparent, that in plan view the dimensions of the frame member andcoupling device configuration will be somewhat smaller when oppositeframe members are skewed than would be the case if all members were inthe same plane.

To the configuration of frame members 11, 13, 15 and 17 and couplingmeans 19, is attached a membrane of pliable resilient material such asfabric, plastic or rubber sheeting. The dimensions of this membrane 27are selected to be smaller than configuration defined by the variousframe members 11, 13, 15 and 17 and the coupling means 19 when thesemembers all lie in a common plane and the membrane itself is in relaxedcondition. The membrane 27 is affixed to the frame members 11, 13, 15and 17 such as by sewing a deep hem at the edges of the membrane toprovide a tubular opening for each of the frame members. The framemembers may be inserted into the tubular openings prior to connectingthe coupling means 19 or alternatively, may

be sewn to the frame members in place after the couplings have beenconnected.

In a device as thus far described, including only the frame members, thecoupling means and the pliable membrane, the frame members will be urgedinto an intensively skewed relationship to the point that the membrane27 is completely relaxed. Thus it is necessary to provide means forurging the frame members outwardly apart from each other to place themembrane 27 in tension. Such means in the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1to 6 include strut means such as the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35. Each of therods 29, 31, 33 and 35 are pivotally connected to the centers of one ofthe frame members 11, 13, 15 and 17. The other ends of the rods areconnected to pivot means 37 slidably engaged on a mast 39. The pivotmeans 37 incorporates an elongated collar 41. These rods are not onlypivotally connected to the frame members 11, 13, and 17 but are alsorotated about the axis of the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 themselves. Such arotatable connection may be of the same type shown in FIGURE 6 withrespect to the frame member connector 19. Secured to the top of theelongated collar 41 are four radially extending wings 43. The ends ofthe rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 are each pivotally secured to one of thewings 43. Thus each of the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 are permitted torotate about their pivotal connection at the wings 43 in planes definedby each of the respective rods themselves together with the mast 39.Moreover, the pivotal coupling between the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 andthe various frame members -11, 13, 15 and 17 are such that each of theframe members are pivoted about their connection in a plane defined bytheir respective frame member and rod.

While the elongated collar 41 is permitted to slide axially of the mast39, means are provided to prevent rotation of the collar with respect tothe mast. Such means may take the form of an elongated axial slot 45 onthe mast 39 together with an internally extending detent (not shown) onthe inner surface of the collar 41. Any alternative means for permittingaxial movement of the collar 41 while preventing rotation with respectto the mast may be employed.

Means are also provided for releasably locking the elongated collar 41and thus the entire pivot means 37 at various positions axially extendedalong the mast 39. Such means are preferably in alignment with theelongated slot 45. A matching pin 49 may be resiliently urged toward themast such that when the pin is in registry with one of the openings 47it extends therethrough to prevent axial movement of the collar. A lever51 may be provided to urge the pin 49 out of engagement with any of theopenings 47 to selectively permit slidable movement of the collar 41 andthe entire pivot means 37.

Four braces 53, 55, 57 and 59 are pivotally secured to the top of themast 39 from a stationary wing-type pivot member 61. The other ends ofeach of these braces is pivotally secured to one of the rods 29, 31, 33and 35.

Thus it is apparent that as the pivot means 37 is raised upon the mast39, the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 diverge tending to place them in ahorizontal plane thereby urging the frame members 11, 13, 15 and 17outwardly apart from each other and placing the membrane 27 in tension.While the outward movement of the frame members is sufiicient to placethe membrane 27 in tension it is insufiicient to urge the frame membersto an outward extension comparable to their position if all were in acommon plane. Thus the configuration formed with the pivot member 37 inits uppermost position is such as shown in FIGURE 1 with the framemembers askew with respect to each other and the membrane 27 formed intoa hyperbolic paraboloid.

With the umbrella structure in such a configuration as shown in FIGURE1, it is apparent that the above mentioned disadvantages of the commonumbrella of the prior art are obviated. Thus run-off from rain capturedby the umbrella is dispensed only at the two lowermost corners of thehyperbolic paraboloid configuration. Moreover, the configuration can berotated such that the upwardly extending corners are faced into the windwhereby the forces exerted by the wind will tend to urge the umbrelladownward rather than into an inverted position as is common with theprior art umbrella. In addition, only four relatively smooth corners areformed by the structure whereby the umbrella is far less hazardous tothose in its vicinity.

Moreover, the umbrella may be collapsed by merely lowering the pivotmember 37 along the mast 39, as shown particularly in FIGURE 3. As themember 37 is lowered even further than is shown in FIGURE 3, the framemembers 11, 13, 15 and 17 assume substantially parallel relationship tothe mast 39 such that the membrane 27, which upon collapse of theumbrella is completely relaxed, may be wrapped about the frame membersas shown in FIGURE 4.

As the frame member is collapsed in the position shown in FIGURE 3, thecoupling means 19 permits the indi vidual frame members to fold uponthemselves. Moreover, since the rods 29, 31, 33 and 35 are connected tothe respective frame members 11, '13, 15 and 17 to permit rotation onlyin a plane defined by the respective rods and frame members, theindividual frame members also rotate with respect to each other at thearticulated coupling means 19. Thus, referring to FIGURE 5 as theumbrella structure is collapsed the frame members 11 and 13 will notonly close upon each other but will also rotate upon each other in adirection generally indicated by the arrows.

While the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 to 6 employs a rod urging eachof the frame members 11, 13, 15 and 17 in an outward direction, itshould be apparent that merely rods urging only two opposite ones of theframe members would be sufficient. The additional rods in the embodimentof FIGURES 1 to 6 serve primarily to stabilize the hyperbolic paraboloidstructure on the mast.

If it is desired to vary the depth of the hyperbolic paraboloid, eitherof two adjustments are possible. The most obvious adjustment is in thedegree in which the pivot means 37 is raised along the mast. A secondadjustment is provided by the threaded studs 23 of the coupling means.By extending the coupling means the membrane 27 is placed in greatertension thereby deepening the hyperbolic paraboloid configuration.

Referring to FIGURE 7, an alternative embodiment of the invention isshown wherein elements similar to those expressed earlier employ likereference numerals. Generally speaking, the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7is identical to the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 to 6 with theexception that the braces 55a and 59a are not merely pivotally connectedto their associated rods 31 and 35 but are also slidably connected bymeans of a slidable sleeve 63. In addition, wing nuts 65 serve to lockthe slidable sleeve in any position axially along the rods 31 and 35.

Thus in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7 the angle of the hyperbolicparaboloid structure may be varied with respect to the mast 39 such forexample, as shown in FIGURE 7 wherein one side of the umbrella structureis pitched upwardly while the other side is pitched substantiallydownwardly with respect to the top of the mast 39.

Referring to FIGURES 8, 9, 10 and 11, still another embodiment of theinvention is shown. In this instance each of the frame members 11a, 13a,15a and 17a are joined each to the other by coupling means 19. Meansdifferent from that shown in the embodiment of FIG- URES l to 6 areprovided to urge the individual frame members apart from each other. Inthe present instance each of the frame members includes a pair ofelongated slots 67 provided with enlarged openings 69.

Strut means 71 are connected between adjacent ones of the arms of thevarious frame members and are connected to the frame members at theelongated slot 67 by means of shouldered pins 73. Each of the pins arethreaded in opposite directions and are received by the threaded tube 75to operate in the manner of a turnbuckle. Thus upon rotating the tube 75the shouldered arms 73 are spread apart thereby urging the associatedframe members outwardly with respect to each other. While the embodimentof FIGURES 8 to 11 is shown employing four of the strut means 71 it isapparent that only two of the strut means will perform the function, anytwo of the strut means disposed in adjacent corners being adequate.

Referring to FIGURES 12 to 14 still another embodiment of the inventionis shown wherein frame members 11b, 13b, 15b and 17b are joined togetherat their ends by coupling means 19. The means for urging the framemembers outwardly with respect to each other simply includes a singlestrut 77 having outward ends 79 and 81 secured to the frame members 13band 17b, respectively, together with a central tubular member 83. Themembers 79 and 81 are each connected by oppositely threaded members 85and 87 to the central member 83. Thus upon rotation of a central member83 the frame members 13b and 17b may be spread apart. Upon spreading themembers 13b and 17b apart it is apparent that the members l lb and 15bWi-ll likewise be spread when a membrane such as a membrane 27 isconnected to the frame members. This is due to the fact that thetensioned membrane, seeking to reduce its size to its relaxed dimensionwill cause members 1312 and 17b to become skewed with respect to eachother thereby carrying the frame members 11b and 15b also in a skeweddirection. Thus the membrane will conform with the shape of thehyperbolic paraboloid.

Itis apparent that a new and improved structure has been provided whichis suitable not only for the ordinary functions of an umbrella of therain protection type but also as a beach umbrella or free standingstructure. Moreover, it should be apparent that two or more of theumbrella structures described may be joined to form tent-like structureswhich are easily collapsible. The structure could also be used as asail, a kite or other type of air foil due to its hyperbolic paraboloidshape.

I claim:

1. An umbrella structure comprising four rigid frame members, fullyarticulated coupling means connecting the ends of each of the framemembers one to another for pivotal and rotational movement with respectto each other, a pliable resilient membrane secured along the length ofeach of the frame members, said membrane in relaxed condition beingsmaller in dimension than a planar quadrangle defined by said four framemember-s and the articulated coup-ling means and means securedintermediate the ends of at least two of said frame members for urgingthe frame members outwardly apart from each other.

2. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 1 together 3. An umbrellastructure as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for urging the framemembers outwardly apart from each other comprises first strut meansconnected between a first and second one of said frame members forurging said first and second frame members apart, said first and secondframe members being adjacent to each other, andsecond strut meansconnected between said second one and a third one of said frame members,for urging said second and third frame members apart, said second andthird frame members being adjacent to each other.

4. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said means forurging the frame members outwardly apart from each other comprises strutmeans secured at the center of two opposite frame members, said strutmeans including means for enlarging the distance be tween the endsthereof to apply a force tending to spread said opposite frame members.

5. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said strut meanscomprises an extensible linear rod.

6. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said strut meanscomprises first and second rods, one end of each of said rods beingconnected to the center of one of said opposite frame members and pivotmeans connecting the other ends of each of said rods.

7. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 6 together with anelongated mast, first and second braces, each having one end pivotallyconnected to said mast, the other end of each of said braces beingpivotally connected to one of said rods at points intermediate the endsof said rods, said pivot means being axially slidably received by saidmast, and means for releasably locking said pivot means at least oneaxial position along said mast.

8. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 7 wherein the connection ofsaid pliable resilient membrane to the umbrella structure is to saidframe members only.

9. An umbrella structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said other end ofeach of said braces is pivotally and slidably connected to one of saidrods at points intermediate the ends of said rods, and means forreleasably locking said other ends of the braces to prevent slidingmovement along their respective rods.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 882,960 3/1908Peterson 211- 178 2,274,139 2/1942 Goldthwait et a1. 21117-8 2,747,7495/1956 Shore et a1 211178 2,794,556 6/1957 Lego 211178 2,963,031 12/1960Carroll -7.1 X 3,060,949 10/1962 Moss 135-1 .HARRISON R. MOSELEY,Primary Examiner.

REINALDO P. MAC-HADO, Examiner.

L. J. SANTISI, Assistant Examiner.

1. AN UMBRELLA STRUCTURE COMPRISING FOUR RIGID FRAME MEMBERS, FULLYARTICULATED COUPLING MEANS CONNECTING THE ENDS OF EACH OF THE FRAMEMEMBERS ONE TO ANOTHER FOR PIVOTAL AND ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT WITH RESPECTTO EACH OTHER, A PILABLE RESILIENT MEMBERANE SECURED ALONG THE LENGTH OFEACH OF THE FRAME MEMBERS, SAID MEMBRANE IN RELAXED CONDITION BEINGSMALLER IN DIMENSION THAN A PLANAR QUADRANGLE DEFINED BY SAID FOUR FRAMEMEMBERS